Sargenti Opposition SocietyWHAT YOUR DENTIST MAY NOT TELL YOU
but you need to know before your next root canal

Injured patients should file an adverse event report with the FDA.
Absent
reports from the public, the FDA will not realize the extent
of the dangers
of Sargent Paste. Click here to file report. Also ask
your doctor to file a
report on your behalf. Since reports are
voluntary over 90% of adverse events go unreported.

Because the frequent response from dentists, endodontists, and oral surgeons has been "I didn't think anyone used that stuff anymore", all state dental boards have been made aware that Sargenti Paste and similar type formulations are still is use today and patients are continuing to be injured. States have all been asked to adopt a position against Sargenti Paste, enforce it proactively, and make the punishment swift and harsh for violations. A few states have adopted a written policy declaring it below the standard of care but only Florida has incorporated it into their dental laws.

All states have a "wait and see" approach to addressing Sargenti Paste standard of care violations. They wait until a patient is injured, discovers it was Sargenti Paste and then files a complaint. If the dental board does address the complaint, it is typically for that patient and that dentist ONLY. The next patient that comes along is likely not protected by the board actions. Too often, patients trust their dentists who do not disclose the true nature of their illness and then miss their opportunity to correct the problem.

The Sargenti Opposition Society was created by two injured patients who are unwilling to sit back and do nothing while the next patient is put in harm's way by a dentist who imposes their unconventional beliefs on their patients. Not only do our states need to put an end to this problem, they need to tell the public about it so that they have the knowledge to ask the right questions. Waiting until someone is injured and then, often, concealing the discipline action taken against the dentist is an unacceptable way to regulate patient safety. We, and our tax dollars, deserve better than this.

YOUR STATE DENTAL BOARD IS AWARE,
SO WHY AREN'T THEY DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

FLORIDA'S STATUE APPLIES TO EVERY STATE,
SO WHY DON'T THEY ALL ADOPT IT?

Florida, theonly US state to implement a position against Sargenti Paste/Cement into their dental by-laws, said it correctly -

Most licensed dentists in Florida do not use "Sargenti Cement" in endodontic therapy. Therefore, the use of "Sargenti Cement" as an endodontic filling material does not meet the existing minimum standard of performance for competent dental practice in Florida.

You can substitute any state's name into the above paragraph and it remains true. Where are the rest of the states? What is the punishment for violating such a regulation? Nothing...until someone is already harmed, possibly permanently and severely. US citizens who fund, by taxpayers dollars, our state dental boards, deserve better than this. Why does someone have to be injured before they pay attention? How many patients have died from anaphylactic shock due to the formaldehyde or peanut oil that is in Sargenti Paste? If you can die from anaphylactic shock, you can die from a Sargenti root canal.

The table below documents our knowledge of each state board's position on paraformaldehyde containing pastes/cements. In the future, we will provide a link to submit a petition to demand action be taken on this issue. That action must declare Sargenti type materials below the standard of care and issue a cease and desist order to all dentists using these materials. We applaud the states that have taken positions that the use of this material is below the standard of care, but they must become proactive in the enforcement.

Dental Board

State's Position on Sargenti Paste - please visit the links for more details

As of June 10, 2008, the Alabama Dental Board has adopted no position on the use of Sargenti Paste although they have previously stated that this topic is on their agenda. An email from the Board Administrator stated that the AL dental board adopts the position of the specialty board, which in this case, is the AAE.

The Board of Dentistry has determined pursuant to Sections 466.001, and 466.028(1)(y)(gg), F.S., that the use of "Sargenti Cement" (e.g., N2, RC2B, or RC2W or essentially similar compounds) as an endodontic filling material or cement does not meet the minimum standards of performance for competent dental practice in Florida. The Board specifically finds that "Sargenti Cement" containing paraformaldehyde, when used as an endodontic filling material or cement, can cause severe and irreversible damage to patients. "Sargenti Cement" that is improperly used or which escapes beyond the root canal is much more likely to cause significant damage than incorrectly performed endodontic procedures using alternative filling materials or cements. Most licensed dentists in Florida do not use "Sargenti Cement" in endodontic therapy. Therefore, the use of "Sargenti Cement" as an endodontic filling material does not meet the existing minimum standard of performance for competent dental practice in Florida.

In September 2009, the Georgia Dental Board reaffirmed its position against the use of Sargenti Paste. Any dentist using this material is practicing below the standard of care and at great risk for a legal malpractice suit.

In an email dated March 24, 2006, the Missouri Board explained why they removed their stated position on Sargenti paste.

Please understand that the Board does not take a position on this or any
other materials used in dentistry. By rescinding the rule, the Board is not
saying that it supports the use of Sargenti paste as an endodontic filling
material. The Board's decision to rescind the ban on the use of this
material was based partly on the fact that Missouri was the only state to
actually ban the use of this material. The state of Ohio had a policy
banning the use of Sargenti paste, but the courts ruled that they could not
make a statement in policy form only; it had to be a rule. The Ohio Dental
Board decided not to adopt a rule so as not to start a precedent for all
standards of care issues to be addressed in rule form. The state of Florida
has a rule on the use of Sargenti material. Florida does not ban its use in
the rule, but says it does not meet the minimum standards of performance for
competent dental practice in Florida.

In another email dated May 19, 2008 8:41 AM, the Missouri Board again answers to why they rescinded the ruling. This is not acceptable, however their response indicates that the use of this puts a dentist at risk for discipline since this material IS NOT within the accepted standard of care.

I apologize for the delay in responding to you. At its April meeting, the Missouri Dental Board reviewed your request for them to reconsider the Board’s rescinding of the rule banning Sargenti Paste. After careful consideration, the Board decided not to promulgate a new rule that would specifically ban Sargenti Paste. The Board’s position is that while it does not regulate specific products or equipment, it does require that dentists provide care that is within the accepted standard of care. If a dentist is providing care that does not meet the accepted standard by the use of products or techniques that do not meet the accepted standard of care, that dentist could be subject to discipline.

Thank you for your input into this matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

The Board reviewed correspondence from Arthur Meisel, Esq., New Jersey Dental Association, concerning the use of Sargenti paste. He also provided a copy of a policy statement released by the Ohio State Dental Board. The Board noted that this policy was sound. The Deputy Attorney General will review the matter and determined whether a policy statement is an appropriate vehicle to address the matter. The Board thanks Mr. Meisel for the information provided. http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/dentistry/minutes/denmin_050708.htm

On May 7, 2008, the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry clarified that the use of Sargenti Paste and other paraformaldehyde-containing endodontic filling materials and sealers falls below the accepted standard of care for the profession.
Link to newsletter.

The North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners (NDSBDE) has issued a policy statement against the use of Sargenti Paste.

http://www.nddentalboard.org/Policy.htm
(11) Sargenti Paste. The [North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners] NDSBDE refers to the American Association of Endodontists position statement concerning paraformaldehyde-containing endodontic filling materials and sealers, frequently known as Sargenti pastes, which states that these materials should not be used for endodontic treatment because those materials are unsafe. The position of the AAE is backed by extensive scientific research, which has proven unequivocally that paraformaldehyde-containing filling materials and sealers can cause irreversible damage to tissues and bone.

The [Ohio] Board adopted this policy [against Sargenti Paste) in response to a lawsuit filed several years ago. While this policy is still the overall position of the Board, the Board had to rescind the formal policy as the Court determined that in order to make such a statement, it should be in rule form rather than policy (which is non-binding). The purpose of policies is to let the licensees and public know the Board’s position on issues that are not clearly set forth in the law and rules (ORC 4715). The Board rescinded this policy, however, the Board believes generally that the use of Sargenti is below the standard of care, and we will handle the issue on a case by case basis, reviewing it as to whether the care falls below the accepted standards, which could be a violation of the Dental Practice Act.

Public and Professional Relations: Bill Christie
Bill reports that the Ohio State Dental Board considers
the use of Sargenti Paste and other paraformaldehyde
containing endodontic filling materials and sealers to
be below the accepted standard of the profession.

Dr. Awadalla stated that there were no new policies for the Board to consider at this time. However, she informed the members that the Board executive office has received several correspondence regarding the policy on the use of Sargenti Paste. She stated that she was pleased to have received the information supplied in the correspondence. Dr. Awadalla stated that members of the Policy Committee had worked in conjunction with representatives and information supplied by the American Dental Association and the American Society of Endodontists. She stated that the Board stands by its policy on Sargenti Paste and that while this is not mandated by statute or rule, if challenged, the Board will provide expert testimony clearly indicating that its use is below the standard of care. Dr. Awadalla concluded by stating that it should be noted that there are no dental schools in the United States that teach the use of Sargenti Paste. Dr. Hills thanked Dr. Awadalla for the Policy Committee Report.

December 4, 2009 Meeting Minutes - Information on Sargenti Paste from Ms. Miczulski. Ms. Reen noted
that the Board addressed this in the past as the use of the paste does
not meet the standard of care. She said that there is a video available if
the Board wished to view. Dr, Levin decided there was no need to view
the video since the Board has already dealt with this.

We have requested that they view the video as it has information from the FDA on Sargenti Paste.

The Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board has received and processed complaints of Endodontic treatment resulting in post-operative pain and failure due to improper instrumentation, irritating paste and obteration of the root canal. The use of the Sargenti technique is below the minimally acceptable standard of practice for Endodontic treatment. The Dentistry Examining Board has jurisdiction in this matter and the use of the Sargenti technique will constitute a violation of the Wis. Admin. Codes DE 5.02 (5).

It is the policy of the Sargenti Opposition Society to post only the most current and verified information obtained from credible sources. If you have documentation that conflicts with any information on our site or demonstrates a violation of any type, please contact us and we will correct our site as necessary.